Alright guys, it's a week into 2019. Time for a check-in and a feel-good story to boost your vibes.
It's been a rough week, guys. The government is still shut down, everybody is mad at R. Kelly again - which means his sales are up, and you already forgot about that squat challenge. Awards shows are fun - Christian Bale thanked Satan in his acceptance speech and Chadwick Boseman and Michael B. Jordan got into a fist fight not over the Wakandan throne. We've packed up the holiday season and it's back to business as usual. The come-down off this holiday high is a rough one and we could all use a boost in the warm fuzzies.
I got you, fam. What's warmer and fuzzier than a pair of siblings ditching a New Year's Eve party to go surprise their mom who was stuck at work? I mean, I could throw in some cute kitties, but that might be overwhelming and I know half of you are reading this when you're supposed to be working, so I'm trying not to blow your spot. Play it cool, Sharon. Play it cool.
Dreah and her brother Josh are only a year apart, and they've been best friends their whole lives. Spending New Year's Eve together was a no-brainer. It's what they do every year. New Year's Eve 2018 was a bit different than usual, though. It was Dreah's first NYE as a wife, but she wouldn't be able to spend it with her new husband. He's in the armed forces and needed to leave that morning. The siblings lost their father to a tragic suicide a few years ago. Their mom was stuck at work, so she couldn't celebrate with them either.
The dynamic duo tried going to a party (side note: there were cats at the party!) but it wasn't as much fun as it could have been. The dynamic duo is usually more of a terrible trio with mom. Alas, responsibility is what it is, so mom was stuck at work and couldn't come to the party. Cue the light bulb moment.
Mom couldn't come to the party, but the party could go to mom. The pair surprised her at work.
How freaking cute are they?!
They could have spent the night on the town. Dreah just turned 21 so this would have been the first year she could legally toast with some overpriced bubbly at a venue. They had invites to plenty of events with friends - but when your family are your besties, it's just not a party without them. Not even gonna lie, they look adorably happy.
The first thing Reddit noticed? #BroSwag
Giphy
Such a happy family with unfairly good looks! Bro looking savvy af :)
Omg your brother is hilarious over there all dapper
Is yor brother single?
- N_DD
Sweet story, and also, how are all three of you so good looking????
Your brother is so cute
Mom wasn't the only one working on New Year's Eve
I closed the bar tonight. I felt bad because it was me and my girlfriend's first anniversary. There was a 60 dollar cover and so we could spend time together I thought I'd do something a bit special and get her through the door and get a room at the attached hotel. We turned a bad situation into one of the best New Years I've ever had. She decorated the room while I was working and made a cake out of hamms and lil sump's (my favorite beers) and champagne glasses full of my favorite wine. My coworkers got together and rolled some nice new year favors for us all to smoke together which brought us all closer as well . I can sympathize with having to work on New Years, the people you love make your days, not your circumstance. Best wishes to all.
Just got home from a nightshift at the ER, finally some bubbles.
I'm your mom's co-worker, ha!!
I worked overnight in fast food, my Mum said she tried to surprise me but there were too many drunk idiots to get through so she gave up. I believe her completely.
I'm working on new year also. If only my family or friends acknowledge my existence
In the end, the whole post got wholesome AF - and we love it.Â
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Your mom raised you and your brother right!
You're good little kittens. This makes me happy.
- yblame
Aw, y'all are my new years resolutions
Very cool of you both! I bet she was thrilled. These things warm our hearts as mothers. Happy New Year!
Way to go guys. I'm sure you made your mom a memorable new year. I wish 2019 brings you all the joy to you and yours.
- FMLatex
Be good to mom. That is one thing you will never regret. Happy new years. :)
So there you go. That wholesome goodness ought to hold you over for a little bit. Things are rough right now and we can't fix it all; but from the looks of things, the kids are alright.
Ordering food or, for the time being, enjoying a socially distanced lunch at an establishment is convenient, but it can take a toll on your wallet.
So what options are there?
Fortunately, there are plenty of them that do not involve nuking a frozen entree.
Strangers on the internet shared their amateur culinary wisdom when Redditor SandandS0n asked:
"What's your go-to under 5 minute meal?"
These dinner selections are super sufficient.
In Case You Didn't Know
"Quesadilla. super quick and easy to make and there's a ton of ingredients that you can add without much effort that will make it even better."
– Arcinbiblo12
Noodling Around
"Ramen and an egg, but not the traditional way."
- "Boil roughly half an inch of water (we want just enough water to boil the noodles, with very little water left over when it's done boiling)."
- "Smash up the ramen noodles, while still in the package (optional but cooks MUCH faster)."
- "Open the package and remove the seasoning."
- "Dump the noodles in."
- "While boiling, crack an egg and whisk in a small bowl."
- "Noodles should be done and almost all the water should be gone, if not strain out some.
- Remove from the heat."
- "Slowly pour in the egg while mixing very quickly, try not to let the egg touch the pan."
- "Mix as much of the seasoning packet as you like (I prefer 1/2 - 3/4 because I usually add a salty component at the end.)"
- "Add to bowl and top with some chives, thinly sliced, ripped up ham/salami and/or parsley. Leftover bacon or pancetta are fantastic crunchy components to dial up the texture."
"Easy, fast and checks so many of the 'munchie' boxes for me."
noodles ramen GIF by HUANG'S WORLDGiphyDon't Underestimate Soups
"Tomato soup and add tortellini. I like the spinach ones from Trader Joe's and Progreso creamy tomato with basil. It's bomb and it really makes a decent meal."
– ambernoodle
For people in a rush, these tasty snacks would suffice.
Goes Well With Veggies And Cheese
"Hummus is such an underrated food. It goes well with a lot of veggies and breads and chips or heck even cheese. All the time I hear hummus being listed as one of those weird, gross foods when its actually an amazing snack, or a meal if done correctly. It's not really unhealthy, either, especially if eaten with veggies (celery and carrots go great with hummus)."
Ready In Seconds
"All I do is get a paper towel, and put 5 Oreos on it."
– KeengPeach
"Then go back and get the whole package."
Peanut Butter Fantasies
"Peanut butter sandwich."
– IgnoreMe733
"If I'm feeling extra froggy I'll add nutella to the peanut butter and honey sandwich and put it in the microwave for 30 seconds. Goes down about as well as a popeye's biscuit though."
– saluki352
Nature's Candy
"Fruit."
"It's like cheating the system. You eat sweets and call it healthy."
Start your day without all the hassle of a fancy breakfast.
Put It In A Bowl
"Oatmeal or cereal."
– essa618
"Cereal is definitely underrated as a meal outside of the breakfast dynamic."
– johndavidcard
Thanks, Nonna!
"A very simple recipe my grandma prepared for me when i was a kid."
"It's basically scrambled eggs...but before adding the egg she would cook sweetcorn (from a can) with a little bit of butter, add the eggs and then when the eggs were almost ready, add small cubes of cheese and cook for a minute or until the cheese start to melt (she was using fontal, but any swiss or white cheddar will do). Just a little black pepper and salt."
"Takes 5 minutes to do but it's absolutely delicious, fill you up, not so unhealthy and I feel my late grandma with me."
'I tried variations with chives or spring onions, paprika or other stuff. Still good but nothing as good as a simple "uova strapazzate con mais e formaggio.'"
"Grazie nonna"
– Xelorath
I consider yogurt a healthy snack/lunch option.
I like having a bowl of non-fat plain Greek yogurt with raspberries, blueberries, sprinkled with granola and drizzled with honey.
It's packed with nutrients and gives me a nice boost of energy.
Yogurt also makes for a perfect chip dip. I sprinkle some onion soup mix and stir in the mixture. Who knew quick and easy food prep could be so delicious?